Improving Mental Health and Wellness in Schools Act

Improving Mental Health and Wellness in Schools Act

This bill incorporates mental health promotion and education into guidelines for school wellness policies that are used by local educational agencies participating in school meal programs.

Specifically, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) must issue further regulations for local educational agencies to (1) incorporate goals for mental health promotion and education, and (2) include reducing eating disorders as part of the nutrition guidelines for foods available on school campuses.

The bill also requires that local educational agencies establish multidisciplinary teams of school personnel to lead the development, periodic review, and updating of local school wellness policies. Further, the bill requires the involvement of registered dietitians and school-based mental health services providers (in addition to those already required to be involved) in the periodic review and updating of the local policy.

USDA must also provide technical assistance to promote mental health, encourage mental health assessments, and establish resilient school environments.

Bill 118 hr 3331, also known as the Improving Mental Health and Wellness in Schools Act, aims to address the mental health needs of students in schools across the United States. The bill recognizes the importance of mental health in overall well-being and academic success, and seeks to provide resources and support to schools to better address these needs.

The key provisions of the bill include:

1. Establishing a grant program to provide funding to schools for mental health services and programs. This funding can be used for hiring mental health professionals, implementing mental health education programs, and creating support systems for students in need. 2. Encouraging schools to develop partnerships with community mental health providers to ensure that students have access to a range of mental health services. 3. Requiring schools to develop and implement mental health policies and procedures to promote a positive school climate and support the mental health needs of all students. 4. Providing training for school staff on recognizing and responding to mental health issues, as well as promoting mental health awareness among students. Overall, the Improving Mental Health and Wellness in Schools Act aims to create a more supportive and inclusive school environment that prioritizes the mental health and well-being of students. By providing funding, resources, and training, the bill seeks to ensure that schools are better equipped to address the mental health needs of their students and promote overall academic success.